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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Depression Post Death Of A Pet Dog
Question: My dog passed away almost one week ago. Even though he was old, and sick for a while, I thought I would have more time with him. He was such a big part of my life, and I am reasonably sure we will not be able to get another dog, to help ease the pain. I miss him so much. I cry, on and off. I know I must keep busy, that will be the key. At this time, I am in a situation, that at least for the next month, or so, there is not much I can do. Do you have any advice, to help heal this pain, and has created such a big void in my life.
Brief Answer:
Clarifications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
However I would require a couple of more details to help you in answering your query in a better justified way.
1) Is there any paet history of depression?
2. Any history of substance use?
3. Who is there in your family to provjde social support?
Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Regards and wish you good health,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Neuro-Psychiatrist and Sexologist
Clarifications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
However I would require a couple of more details to help you in answering your query in a better justified way.
1) Is there any paet history of depression?
2. Any history of substance use?
3. Who is there in your family to provjde social support?
Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Regards and wish you good health,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Neuro-Psychiatrist and Sexologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. XXXXXXX
Nice to meet you. I would definitely like to answer your questions. First, yes I definitely have a history of depression. As I already mentioned, I have tried many anti-depressants, but I have not been happy with any of them. I prefer to deal with my depression, with fish oil and exercise. Secondly, I don't have any history of substance abuse. Third, I live with my husband, who is also grieving for our dog, but he is much less emotional than I am. I sit here, and cry for a while, over our dog, and he asks me why I am crying. I keep telling him I'm allowed to cry, and I need to cry. It is such a loss. I want my dog back, but of course, I know that's not possible.
I have worked with a few therapists in the past, but in the end, I feel I need to help myself.
Now I feel like I need a little extra help, and since I joined healthcare magic, I am reaching out to you for help.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Nice to meet you. I would definitely like to answer your questions. First, yes I definitely have a history of depression. As I already mentioned, I have tried many anti-depressants, but I have not been happy with any of them. I prefer to deal with my depression, with fish oil and exercise. Secondly, I don't have any history of substance abuse. Third, I live with my husband, who is also grieving for our dog, but he is much less emotional than I am. I sit here, and cry for a while, over our dog, and he asks me why I am crying. I keep telling him I'm allowed to cry, and I need to cry. It is such a loss. I want my dog back, but of course, I know that's not possible.
I have worked with a few therapists in the past, but in the end, I feel I need to help myself.
Now I feel like I need a little extra help, and since I joined healthcare magic, I am reaching out to you for help.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Brief Answer:
You may require medicines this time
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for all the additional details.
Its really been a tough time, and I agree with you that each persons emotionality varies. But considering that you have had a previous episode of depression, its possible that you may again land up with a depression as the stress is significant.
You are correct that keeping yourself busy is the key. And the second key is ventilating your feelings. You need company to talk about the loss to some one. Therapist can do the job or else even you may talk to your husband. Further you may also send away all the belongings of your pet which might remind you of it again and again.
If the symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks then you may be required to take medicines. Escitalopram, mirtazapine and prozac are certain medicines that you may consider discussing with your psychiatrist. You may also consider some benzodiazepines like clonazepam or lorazepam to help you sleep and reduce anxiety.
Hope this helps.
If you have any further query, do let me know.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
You may require medicines this time
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for all the additional details.
Its really been a tough time, and I agree with you that each persons emotionality varies. But considering that you have had a previous episode of depression, its possible that you may again land up with a depression as the stress is significant.
You are correct that keeping yourself busy is the key. And the second key is ventilating your feelings. You need company to talk about the loss to some one. Therapist can do the job or else even you may talk to your husband. Further you may also send away all the belongings of your pet which might remind you of it again and again.
If the symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks then you may be required to take medicines. Escitalopram, mirtazapine and prozac are certain medicines that you may consider discussing with your psychiatrist. You may also consider some benzodiazepines like clonazepam or lorazepam to help you sleep and reduce anxiety.
Hope this helps.
If you have any further query, do let me know.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX
I will see, how things go. I'm going on vacation, with my husband, in another week and a half, so hopefully, we will be away for almost 2 weeks, and I will be feeling better, by then. I already gave his things to a local shelter, because I didn't want them in my house, as a reminder. When we get back, I plan to try to do some volunteer work, to keep me busy. I am retired, and work, part-time, but I do not feel it is enough to fill the void in my life.
I thought about trying to foster another dog, but I don't think it is fair to my surviving 11 year old dog. He is also grieving, so I don't think he would be happy if I did that. My 2 dogs grew up together, before one of them recently passed away.
I will close this discussion, for now, but if you have any other thoughts please let me know. Then I will formally close discussion, at that time.
I will see, how things go. I'm going on vacation, with my husband, in another week and a half, so hopefully, we will be away for almost 2 weeks, and I will be feeling better, by then. I already gave his things to a local shelter, because I didn't want them in my house, as a reminder. When we get back, I plan to try to do some volunteer work, to keep me busy. I am retired, and work, part-time, but I do not feel it is enough to fill the void in my life.
I thought about trying to foster another dog, but I don't think it is fair to my surviving 11 year old dog. He is also grieving, so I don't think he would be happy if I did that. My 2 dogs grew up together, before one of them recently passed away.
I will close this discussion, for now, but if you have any other thoughts please let me know. Then I will formally close discussion, at that time.
Brief Answer:
A break should be good for you!
Detailed Answer:
Hello
A break at this point should work good for you. After coming back, keeping yourself busy should be the best way to keep the worries at bay. The part time volunteering at the dog shelter home should be a good idea. And yes you are right that bringing another dog-member home at this point wont be a good idea.
Things may take time, but you would be much much better when you come back from that vacation.
Hope this helps
Thanks and regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
A break should be good for you!
Detailed Answer:
Hello
A break at this point should work good for you. After coming back, keeping yourself busy should be the best way to keep the worries at bay. The part time volunteering at the dog shelter home should be a good idea. And yes you are right that bringing another dog-member home at this point wont be a good idea.
Things may take time, but you would be much much better when you come back from that vacation.
Hope this helps
Thanks and regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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